The Best Travel Apps to Make Your Trip Easier

Traveling is amazing and life-changing—until you’re sprinting through an airport trying to find your gate, stuck in a foreign country with no idea how to ask for directions, or realizing too late that your hotel costs double what you expected. That’s where travel apps come in. The right ones can help you book cheap flights, navigate new cities, and even figure out the best place to grab a bite when you’re too tired to think.

I’ve tested plenty of them over the years, and while some are just okay, others are absolute lifesavers. Below are the best travel apps that will actually make your trip easier, whether you’re flying across the world or heading out for a weekend road trip.

All of these apps are available on both iOS and Android unless otherwise noted.

Best Travel Apps for Finding Flights

Google Flights – Still the gold standard for tracking flight prices, setting alerts, and figuring out the best time to book. The explore feature is great if you’re open to different destinations. (Web-based, but works well on mobile.)
Skyscanner – A solid choice for comparing prices across airlines and booking sites. The “Everywhere” search is great when you’re looking for cheap flights but don’t have a set destination.
Hopper – Uses historical data to predict when flights will be cheapest and sends alerts when it’s time to book.

Best Travel Apps for Booking Experiences

Viator – One of the best for booking tours, skip-the-line tickets, and activities worldwide. It’s great for finding unique local experiences. I can’t think of a single trip I’ve taken in the last 5 years that I haven’t used Viator for.
GetYourGuide – Similar to Viator but often has exclusive deals and last-minute availability for popular attractions.
Klook – A favorite for Asia, but they’ve expanded worldwide. If you’re heading to Japan, Hong Kong, or Thailand, Klook is a must-have.

Best Travel Apps for Hotels & Accommodations

Booking.com – Great for hotels, apartments, and budget stays. Their flexible cancellation policies can be a lifesaver.
Vrbo – A go-to for unique stays, though prices have climbed over the years. It’s best for longer trips or when you want something more home-like.
HotelTonight – If you need a last-minute hotel, this app finds discounts on unsold rooms, often at luxury properties.

Best Navigation & Transit Apps

Google Maps – An essential. Download maps offline before you travel so you’re never stuck without directions.
Citymapper – Perfect for navigating public transit in major cities. It’s more detailed than Google Maps for subways, buses, and trains.
Rome2Rio – Helps you figure out how to get from point A to point B, whether that means taking a bus, train, ferry, or plane.
Waze – Great for road trips. Real-time traffic updates, alternate routes, and user-reported road hazards help avoid delays.

Best Travel Apps for Managing Money

XE Currency – Quickly converts currencies with live exchange rates, so you always know what you’re spending.
Splitwise – Perfect for tracking shared expenses if you’re traveling with friends. No more awkward money conversations.
Wise (formerly TransferWise) – A great option for sending money abroad with low fees and good exchange rates. They’re up front about who has the best transfer rates–If they’re not the cheapest, they’ll let you know who is!

Best Travel Apps for Language & Communication

Google Translate – Download languages offline so you can use them without data. The camera feature lets you translate menus and signs instantly!
Airalo – My absolute favorite eSIM app. Airalo makes it easy to choose and use the right SIM program, duration, and coverage. I’ve used it for the last year, and it’s been cheaper than the international coverage from my normal cell provider.
iTranslate – A voice translation app that works well for real-time conversations in different languages.

Best Travel Apps for Staying Organized

TripIt – Automatically organizes your travel plans into an easy-to-read itinerary by pulling details from your confirmation emails.
PackPoint – Creates a custom packing list based on your destination, length of stay, and planned activities.
LoungeBuddy – Helps you find and access airport lounges, even if you’re not flying first class. We all deserve to travel in style!

Best Travel Apps for Food & Restaurants

Google Maps – Yes, it’s already on this list, but its restaurant reviews are some of the most reliable.
Michelin Guide – For a nice night out, check the Michelin Guide! You can filter on location, distinction, cuisine and more. You can even make a reservation through the app. Pro tip: Plan as far in advance as you can.
TheFork – Great for finding restaurant deals and making reservations in Europe.
HappyCow – A must-have for vegetarians and vegans looking for plant-based restaurants worldwide.

There are thousands of travel apps out there, but these are the ones that actually make a difference. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest flights, the best local food, or a way to stay organized on the road, the right apps can turn a stressful trip into a smooth one.

If you have a favorite travel app that’s saved you on a trip, let me know—I’m always looking for new ones to try!